France’s summer wildfires could cost insurers up to $634 million

The losses from the wildfires far exceed those from the forest fires that swept France in the summer of 2022.(AFP) — Wildfires that swept through France this summer resulted in about 22,500 insurance claims, with total losses estimated at up to 563 million euros ($634 million), the federation of insurers said Friday.France experienced its hottest summer on record in 2026, marked by heat waves, drought and massive wildfires.The southwestern areas of Gironde and Landes, along with the southeastern area of Var, were ravaged by forest fires that spread rapidly in tinder-dry conditions worsened by successive heat waves.Nearly 250,000 acres of forest burned across the country, the highest figure recorded in 20 years of satellite monitoring.Florence Lustman, head of France Assureurs, pointed to the “human tragedies” behind the figures and expressed the industry’s “solidarity.” She said insurers were doing everything possible to ensure compensation was paid “as quickly as possible.”“The exceptionally high proportion of claims that had already been settled two months after the disaster reflects this commitment,” she added.According to France Assureurs, 56% of home insurance claims had been settled.In addition, 71% of claims had been paid either partially or in full, with that figure rising to 93% for homes where damage exceeded 150,000 euros.The losses from the wildfires far exceed those from the forest fires that swept France in the summer of 2022.Between early June and late September that year, about 2,000 claims were filed, for a total cost of 80 million euros.The largest fire struck the southwestern Gironde department, where about 104,000 acres burned in mid-July, the most since 1949.About 180 homes were destroyed in the village of Le Porge, the hardest-hit community.Subscribe to our free newslettersOur weekly newsletter Closing Arguments offers the latest about ongoing trials, major litigation and rulings in courthouses around the U.S. and the world, while the monthly Under the Lights dishes the legal dirt from Hollywood, sports, Big Tech and the arts.Additional Reads